Beltran has been able to avoid injuries this season and is again producing at a high level offensively, sporting a .285/.373/.506 batting line with 13 home runs and 57 RBI in 85 games for the Mets.

The 34-year-old has lost a step or two defensively, but he might be able to man center field again in the right situation. At least, that’s how the Mets are going to market him this month to potential suitors.

Beltran is playing out the final chapter of a massive seven-year, $119 million contract that he signed with New York in January 2005. The Mets are likely seeking a trade partner who will be open to assuming whatever remains from the $18.5 million in salary that he’s owed this season.

With so many teams in contention here in early July and a league-wide craving for quality offensive production, Beltran’s suitors will be plentiful. Along with dumping salary, the Mets should be able to net some young talent.

Beltran has a full no-trade clause, so he’ll have a bit of say in his eventual landing spot.

Yesterday the Mets announced that lefty Jason Vargas sustained a non-displaced fracture of the hamate bone in his right hand as the result of a comebacker during a spring training start. This morning they announced that Vargas will have surgery, which should cause him to miss the first week or so of the season.

Vargas will have the surgery tomorrow. Given that it’s on his non-throwing hand, he won’t miss much time — just a week or so of action, with another few days to get back up to speed afterward. He actually threw a bullpen session this morning. The issue is that he can’t catch a ball right now.

Vargas, 35, signed a two-year, $16 million pact with the Mets last month. With him missing a couple of starts, the Mets should break camp with both Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler in the rotation. The two had been fighting for the final spot.